Milford high school lacrosse holds fundraiser this evening

MILFORD -- Jonathan Law and Joseph A. Foran high schools will field boys' lacrosse teams next month for the first time.

Deputy Superintendent of School Operations James L. Richetelli Jr. said 18 students have signed up for lacrosse at Law, while 39 students will play for Foran. Richetelli said he expects more Law students to sign up before practice begins March 15.

Coaches have been hired, and because lacrosse is a new sport it will count as a junior varsity team.

There is no budgetary impact this year on the taxpayers because Milford Youth Lacrosse and parents agreed to pay all program costs for the first two years. After that, the Board of Education will either pick up the tab or ask parents to continue paying.

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"The Milford Youth Lacrosse club has deposited $20,000 with us, has committed an additional $20,000 by the end of February, and will provide additional funding as needed in March and April toward support of the program," Richetelli said.

He said as with hockey, participants will be expected to contribute toward the expense of the program. Parents will pay $200 per player, but financial assistance will be made available if a student demonstrates financial need, Richetelli said.

He said aid will be handled confidentially by school principals.

There will be a fundraiser for the program at Rainbow Gardens Restaurant & Bar, 117 N. Broad St., with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. this evenng (Monday, Feb. 27). The restaurant is donating the food, and there will be raffles and a cash bar. For tickets, email Jane Eager at jke1963@aol.com.

Richetelli said the nets have arrived and soon lines will be painted onto each school's synthetic turf fields.

A girls' team at both high schools may be added next year depending on interest. Both sports teams will compete in the Southern Connecticut Conference.

After the first year there will be a junior varsity, and varsity program at each high school. Supporters of lacrosse have been trying to get the program added for more than 1½ years.